Elmwood

Diane R Simpson October 26, 2018

Diane Rose (Krisik) Simpson, 69, of Durand, WI, met her lord on Friday, October 26th, 2018, with her loving husband by her side at Chippewa Valley Hospital in Durand, WI.

Diane was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Ladysmith, WI to Steve and Kathryn Krisik on July 3rd, 1949. She was baptized, received First Communion, and was confirmed at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Tony, WI.

She grew up on the family farm in Glen Flora, WI, one of 15 children, where she attended school, including Flambeau High School. In 1965, her family moved to Durand where she later graduated from Durand Unified High School and met the love of her life, Daniel Paul Simpson, whom she wed on November 25th, 1967.

In 1968, the couple moved to Bloomington, WI where Dan joined the faculty of Bloomington High School, and Diane taught religious education at St. Mary’s in Bloomington, where she prepared 1st graders for the Sacrament when she wasn’t in the stands cheering on the “Bluejays.” The Bloomington community truly embraced Dan and Diane. She frequently said that “I cried when we got to Bloomington, and I cried harder when we left”. The adage “A Small Town is Like a Big Family” was not missed on the Simpsons who raised two sons, Travis and Cory, within the fabric of Bloomington life.

After seventeen years, the family returned to Durand, where Diane continued as the heart their home, while also working, first at Eau Galle Cheese and Gifts and later at 3M in Menomonie, WI.

Diane was not only a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, but also the life of the party. Her priceless, infectious laughter characterized her exuberant spirit. She was a delightful conversationalist, had perfect timing when telling a joke, and could dance like there was no tomorrow. Frequently, she was a finalist in the annual St. Patrick’s Day lying contest.

Diane was a mouthwatering cook and baker, and passionately threw herself into nurturing her family and friends. She ensured that any guest in her home was treated to a full stomach, superb company, and an impeccably clean home. She strove to provide an empathetic ear to all who needed to be heard and always placed the needs of others before her own. Diane was considerate in that she never wished to impose or be a bother.

In 2006, Diane embraced retirement by continuing to keep remarkable flower beds, help Dan with the vegetable garden harvest, and visit with guests. Her homemaking skills were indispensable in the renovation and operation of Round Hill and Camp Angelus, set just across the Chippewa River from Diane’s home. A devout Roman Catholic, Diane, alongside Dan, Paul and Louella Simpson, and others, volunteered countless hours of service to the organization dedicated to honoring Mary Queen of Family Life and the preservation of the natural world.

She was an accomplished competitor at board games and the card table but was adept at squeezing in visiting between turns and hands. Her ability to set the scene during storytelling allowed her to entrance listeners into past escapades.

As a loyal Wisconsinite, she was a raucous supporter of Wisconsin’s teams and eagerly anticipated the arrival of March Madness.

She was a life long advocate of economic and social justice and persevered in environmental work, most recently through the Neighborhood Ladies. Diane sought to protect the Earth and ensure that a quality environmental legacy was left for future generations. She understood that environmental protection was crucial to all of society doing well.

Diane is survived by her husband Dan; her sons Travis (Amy) Simpson and Cory (Tanya) Simpson; her grandchildren Daniel “Danny” Simpson, Stefanie Simpson, Kathryn Simpson, David Simpson, and Michael Simpson. In addition, she is survived by her sisters Lois Suchla of Independence, WI, Joan Prasnicky of Jump River, WI, Kathryn Mae Sands of Wabasha, MN, Bonnie (William) Bovin of Elk Mound, WI, Bernadette Beam of Janesville, WI, also brothers Phillip of Moose Lake, MN, Michael of Mondovi, WI, and Ronald of Rock Falls, WI. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers James, Donald, Raymond, Patrick, and her sisters Francis “Fay,” and Mary Ann.

Visitation will be at Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand, WI from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 2. Her funeral service will begin with a visitation at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 3 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand, WI, followed by mass at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend a luncheon immediately following the mass and share memories of our beloved Diane.

Services

Funeral Services

Her funeral service will begin with a visitation at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 3 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand, WI, followed by mass at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend a luncheon immediately following the mass and share memories of our beloved Diane.

Visitation

Visitation will be at Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand, WI from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 2.

Condolences

Donna (Kralewski) Johnson November 2, 2018, at 1:54pm

To Diane's family - I always enjoyed making contact with Diane when in the Durand area. She was a wonderful person with a kind word for everyone. She was also a very kind to my mother and that meant a lot to me. I will miss her smile and welcoming words when we'd meet.
Donna

Cheryl Price October 30, 2018, at 8:50pm

Richard & Dorothy Shannon October 30, 2018, at 8:20pm

Dan & Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss of Wife & mother.
She was a very friendly person, I loved to talk to here, will be missed Dorothy

Shelly Edwards Olsen October 30, 2018, at 12:09pm

The Simpsons were our neighbors for many years . It was common to see Diane looking out the kitchen window keeping an eye on her boys and the rest of the neighborhood kids. I can still get her laugh! I’m so sorry for your loss . She was a great lady!

I’m also grateful for Dan Simpson and how he put up with all of the high school kids in his classroom ! Some of my favorite memories come from his history room! Some of them even involve history! I think of his class often as it was there that I discovered my love of American history !
Much love to the whole Simpson family!
Shelly Edwards

Connie Horkheimer October 30, 2018, at 11:00am

Sincere sympathy from all of “the Horkheimer’s”.

Diane Foreyt October 30, 2018, at 10:28am

Our deepest sympathy Dan, Travis, Cory and families. Loved visiting with her at Patterson's Soda Fountain in Bloomington many years ago. Always a smile on her face.

Peggy Meyer Hicks October 30, 2018, at 10:03am

Always enjoyed the Simpson family, whether it was the neighborhood picnics in Brooklyn or babysitting the boys! Bloomington was lucky to have your family as part of the community! Deepest sympathy to the family, Rest In Peace Diane!

Margaret/Muggs Langlois/Miller October 30, 2018, at 9:49am

To the Krisik and Simpson families: I am saddened and distressed to hear of the loss of Diane. I would love to attend her wake to say my goodbyes, but we will be out of town on Friday. Still, I remember Diane as a dynamic and loving individual. I recall that when I went over to the Krisik's she would engage me in lovely conversation as she put on her makeup as she prepared to go out for the evening. I was in awe of her and will miss knowing she is no longer among us. What a special person.

Love to all of you, and may God grant you comfort at the loss of this wonderful woman.

Love,

Muggs

Judy and John Parr October 30, 2018, at 9:15am

Sorry for your loss hugs to all

Jeffrey Zenz October 30, 2018, at 2:48am

My heart goes out to you in your time of loss. The world was a better place with your mom in it! I always remember she always had a smile that greeted you when visiting your home in Bloomington!! God bless you and your family. Your friend Jeff